16239, Marienville, Pennsylvania Overall Health Score Travel Score

The Travel Score for the Overall Health Score in 16239, Marienville, Pennsylvania is 9 when comparing 34,000 ZIP Codes in the United States.

64.52 percent of residents in 16239 to travel to work in 30 minutes or less.

When looking at the three closest hospitals, the average distance to a hospital is 23.53 miles. The closest hospital with an emergency room is Upmc Kane with a distance of 20.34 miles from the area.

## Overall Health Score: Commuting to Healthcare in ZIP Code 16239 (Marienville, PA)

This analysis provides an "Overall Health Score" for residents of ZIP code 16239, focusing on the critical element of healthcare access. We delve into the practical realities of commuting to medical facilities, considering various transportation options and their impact on overall well-being. This assessment is particularly relevant for individuals considering **moving to Marienville**, as ease of healthcare access significantly influences quality of life.

The "Overall Health Score" is not a numerical value but a comprehensive evaluation of the challenges and opportunities in accessing healthcare. It considers factors like drive times, public transit availability, ride-sharing options, and medical transport services. This information helps residents understand the practical aspects of receiving necessary medical care within and beyond the Marienville area.

Marienville, nestled within the scenic Allegheny National Forest, presents unique challenges regarding healthcare access. The rural setting often translates to longer travel distances to specialized medical services. This geographic isolation necessitates careful consideration of transportation options when evaluating the overall health landscape of the community. The following analysis explores these factors in detail.

**Drive Times and Roadways:**

The primary mode of transportation for healthcare access in 16239 is personal vehicles. The most direct route to larger medical facilities typically involves navigating the local road network. Traveling east towards Clarion, residents utilize **Pennsylvania Route 66 (PA-66)**, a vital artery connecting Marienville to the larger town. Drive times to Clarion Hospital, the closest major hospital, can vary significantly depending on traffic and weather conditions, typically ranging from 30 to 45 minutes.

Alternatively, heading south towards Brookville involves traveling on **Pennsylvania Route 36 (PA-36)**. This route offers access to Brookville Hospital, a smaller but still valuable medical resource. The drive to Brookville is generally shorter, averaging around 20 to 30 minutes. However, both routes are subject to the seasonal challenges of snow and ice, which can significantly increase travel times and pose safety risks.

For specialized care, residents may need to travel further afield. Pittsburgh, approximately a two-hour drive via PA-66 and Interstate 80 (I-80) or PA-36 and I-80, offers a wide array of hospitals and medical specialists. This longer commute underscores the importance of reliable transportation and careful planning for appointments. The condition of **PA-66 and PA-36** is generally good, but the mountainous terrain can present challenges during inclement weather.

**Public Transit: A Limited Option:**

Public transportation options in 16239 are extremely limited. The rural nature of the area and the low population density make establishing and maintaining extensive public transit networks financially challenging. Currently, there are no regularly scheduled bus routes that directly serve Marienville or connect it to major healthcare facilities.

The absence of reliable public transit presents a significant barrier to healthcare access for individuals without personal vehicles, including the elderly, those with disabilities, and low-income residents. This lack of options further underscores the importance of alternative transportation solutions.

**Ride-Sharing and Medical Transport:**

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are available in the broader Clarion and Brookville areas, but their presence in Marienville is sporadic and unreliable. Availability depends heavily on driver availability and demand, which can be particularly challenging during off-peak hours or in emergencies. Relying solely on ride-sharing for critical medical appointments is therefore not advisable.

Medical transport services offer a more specialized solution for healthcare access. Several companies provide non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) in the region. These services typically require advance booking and are designed to transport individuals to and from medical appointments.

**Medical Transport Brands:**

Several medical transport companies operate in the region, including:

* **First Medical Transport:** A common provider for non-emergency medical transportation.
* **MedStar Ambulance Service:** Offers both emergency and non-emergency transport.
* **Local Ambulance Services:** Local ambulance services may provide non-emergency transportation depending on their capacity.

These services are crucial for individuals who cannot drive themselves or lack access to other transportation options. However, costs can be a significant factor, and insurance coverage varies. Residents should investigate their insurance coverage and explore available financial assistance programs to mitigate these costs.

**ADA Accessibility:**

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) mandates that public transportation and medical facilities be accessible to individuals with disabilities. While the absence of public transit in Marienville limits ADA-compliant options, medical transport services are generally required to provide accessible vehicles. It is essential to confirm the accessibility of any chosen transport service when scheduling appointments.

**Impact on Overall Health:**

The transportation challenges in 16239 directly impact the overall health of its residents. Longer travel times to medical facilities can lead to delayed treatment, missed appointments, and increased stress. The lack of public transit and the limitations of ride-sharing services disproportionately affect vulnerable populations, potentially exacerbating existing health disparities.

For those **moving to Marienville**, carefully assessing these transportation limitations is crucial. Individuals with chronic health conditions, those requiring frequent medical appointments, or those without personal vehicles should carefully evaluate their ability to access necessary care.

**Recommendations and Considerations:**

* **Plan Ahead:** Schedule medical appointments well in advance, considering travel times and potential delays.
* **Explore Medical Transport:** Investigate the availability and cost of medical transport services and determine insurance coverage.
* **Build a Support Network:** Cultivate a network of friends, family, or community members who can provide transportation assistance.
* **Advocate for Improved Services:** Support initiatives that aim to improve healthcare access, such as expanding medical transport options or exploring the feasibility of limited public transit.
* **Consider Proximity to Healthcare:** When choosing a residence, consider the proximity to healthcare facilities and the ease of access via available transportation routes.

**Conclusion:**

The "Overall Health Score" for 16239 reflects a mixed picture. While the area offers access to healthcare facilities, transportation limitations present significant challenges. The reliance on personal vehicles, the absence of public transit, and the sporadic availability of ride-sharing services create barriers to healthcare access, particularly for vulnerable populations. Residents must proactively plan for their transportation needs, leverage available resources, and advocate for improved healthcare access to ensure their overall well-being. The decision to relocate to Marienville requires a thorough understanding of these challenges and a commitment to navigating them effectively.